The good tea

Without going all science geek on you, it’s brimful of natural antioxidants, in particular micronutrient-rich polyphenols, such as theaflavins and catechins. Green and white teas are thought to deliver the bulk of the protective benefits since they undergo less processing than black varieties, but make no mistake, black and oolong are still powerful players here.

All you really need to know is a cup or two or three per day can bestow a heaping helping of remarkable health benefits!

Here are a few to consider:

•Fights inflammation that can lead to cell damage

•May help decrease risk of cancer

•Boosts metabolism and may help with weight loss

•Helps increase brain function and boosts concentration

•Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease

•Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes

•May protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

•Can settle an upset tummy

•Relieves headaches

•Strengthens teeth and bones

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Store for more

Tea, whether loose-leaf or in bags, should be kept in a cool, dark place in an airtight container away from heat sources and moisture. So, not an open box next to the stove by the window! Easy!

Words to live by

‘Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things.’

Chaim Potok, author and rabbi

‘Growing up in Ireland, when my family received important news, good or bad, we would boil water and make tea. It was the first thing I did when my father died. This ritual allowed me a moment to take in the enormity of what had happened.’

Roma Downey, actress

‘Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.’

Chinese proverb

‘There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.’

Henry James, author

‘While there is tea, there is hope.’

Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, playwright, from Sweet Lavender

‘Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.’

Catherine Douzel

‘When you have nobody you can make a cup of tea for, when nobody needs you, that’s when I think life is over.’

Audrey Hepburn, actress and humanitarian

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‘Just tea for two and two for tea. Just me for you and you for me.’

Irving Caesar, lyricist, from Tea for Two

‘I drink as much tea when I’m in Los Angeles as I do when I’m in London. I take my tea bags with me wherever I go.’

Helen Mirren, actress

‘You can’t buy happiness but you can buy tea, and that’s kind of the same thing.’

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‘If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you.’